Analyst sends ominous message on the future of the ACC in Wizard of Oz rhyme

Longtime college football radio host Greg Swaim evoked Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow in a tweet about the ACC's future, or lack thereof, in an ominous and scarcely detailed message about the imminent death of the ACC.

"Clemson and FSU and UNC...Oh my...the ACC is about to die!"

Swaim was referencing the ongoing legal battles between Clemson and FSU and the ACC -- and the imminent third lawsuit that should be coming down the pipe soon between the conference and UNC -- in his Wizard of Oz-inspired prediction.

UNC has not yet entered the legal battlefield with the ACC, but Swaim predicted in March that they'd pounce once things advanced in Clemson and FSU's cases; with UVA following the Tar Heels shortly thereafter.

"UNC is definitely sabre rattling after FSU and Clemson hit the ACC first," Swaim tweeted. "Expect UVA next, as we expect the AAU-accredited Tar Heels and Cavaliers to the B1G and the non-accredited Seminoles and Tigers to the SEC."

Once Clemson, FSU, UNC leave, ESPN can cancel ACC TV contract

Swaim predicted ESPN would step in and cancel the ACC's TV contract once Clemson, FSU, UNC, and UVA leave the contract; effectively killing the conference as we know it and creating a Power 3 scenario in Division I FBS football's highest level.

"Others reporting various legal suits being filed by both current ACC members and the conference itself, but in a nutshell here is what's going on...and what's going to happen," Swaim prefaced before saying, "FSU and Clemson want out for more money, and UNC and soon UVA will jump to a higher paying conference, either the Big Ten or SEC.

"The rest will then try to leave, as at that point ESPN will cancel the contract and those schools remaining that get a Big 12 offer will take it, as the ACC will basically be dead in the water as a P4 at that time. It's just that simple...at least until the Super Conference plan kicks in around 2031."

The next question after the ACC's death would be whether or not the Big 12 would fight to get as much equity in the College Football Playoff pie as the SEC and Big Ten have.

But there's several hurdles to clear before we get that far. Swaim foresees them being cleared, though, so stay tuned.